Modular Tool Belt System

ABSTRACT

A modular tool belt is implemented in which the locations and quantities of pouches and other accessories are customizable for the user while simultaneously providing a level of comfort and craftsmanship. The tool belt is based on a ratchet system with custom thickness and memory foam on the inside for comfort and temperature control. The pockets are reinforced with additional and/or stronger material, such as Kevlar. The top pouches and accessories are larger and easier to access using, for example, elastic. The modular tool belt utilizes a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) strap system for attaching bags and accessories. The overlapping ballistic nylon panels at the front buckle prevent pinch points and help the user dial in their waist size while the tightening system gives the user that final snug adjustment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional utility patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/961,748, entitled “Modular Tool Belt System,” filed on Jan. 16, 2020, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

General contractors, plumbers, electricians, and handymen in general rely on a tool belt around their waist to carry their tools. Tool belts often come with useful pockets and arrangements to accommodate each tool and use-scenario for a worker. While the configuration of typical tool belts are useful, their configuration may not be able to accommodate each specific type of worker, use-scenario, and situation that arises.

SUMMARY

A modular tool belt is implemented in which the locations and quantities of pouches and other accessories are customizable for the user while simultaneously providing a level of comfort and craftsmanship. The tool belt is based on a ratchet system with custom thickness and memory foam on the inside for comfort and temperature control. The pockets are reinforced with additional and/or stronger material, such as Kevlar. The top pouches and accessories are larger and easier to access using, for example, elastic. The modular tool belt utilizes a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) strap system for attaching bags and accessories. The overlapping ballistic nylon panels at the front buckle prevent pinch points and help the user dial in their waist size while the tightening system gives the user that final snug adjustment.

The back side of the modular tool belt features a wide, load distributing pad that is a composed of modern synthetic materials for cushion, moisture control, and temperature control. The outer lycra layer is a silky moisture wicking layer, with hex mesh inner padding that allows airflow while being supportive, and the backing and all around construction is built from a heavy-duty ballistic nylon for strength and durability. A raised lumber support at the rear side of the tool belt features a closeable pocket for use with hot and cold packs that can be added throughout the day to help maintain a comfortable temperature. The pocket is lined with an insulating, heat reflective material on the backside to reflect heat back to the user, and keep cold packs cold longer. The pocket can be used with chemically activated cooling and warming elements or thermal masses like frozen gel packets or hot water bottles.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. These and various other features will be apparent from a reading of the following Detailed Description and a review of the associated drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative representation of a front side a modular tool belt;

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative representation of a rear side of the modular tool belt;

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative representation of the layered architecture of the modular tool belt;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an illustrative representations of an accessory pouch which can connect to the modular tool belt;

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative representation of the accessory pouches connecting to pockets on the modular tool belt;

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative representation of an ice or heat pack being inserted into a closable pocket on a raised surface of the modular tool belt;

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative representation of the zipper on the raised surface pocket;

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative representation of a front side of the modular tool belt when worn on a user; and

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative representation of a rear side of the modular tool belt when worn on the user.

Like reference numerals indicate like elements in the drawings. Elements are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 shows illustrative representations of a front and rear side, respectively, of the modular tool belt 105. The modular tool belt includes a support frame 135 that provides the basis and overall support structure to the tool belt. The support frame extends along opposing sides of the user, specifically along the user's hips, and come together at a front using, for example, a belt 120 and mating belt buckles 145.

The support frame 135 may be two distinct and separate components, or sections, that are secured together by various connecting mechanisms, such as the belt 120 and belt buckle 145 in the front and the laces 205 along the user's back. The belt enters openings 160 on each side of the support frame (shown on one side only) and extends toward the rear side of the modular tool belt 105. The belt may reach up until the ends of the respective sides of the support frame, which is where the laces take over to connect the two support frame sections together.

A tightening mechanism 140 that operates using a ratchet system positioned on a front side of the modular tool belt 105 can be used to properly fit the tool belt to the user's body. The tightening mechanism may work by utilizing, for example, a lace that engages with an internal front and rear support members and which tighten or loosen based on the user's clockwise or counter-clockwise rotational movement of the tightening mechanism's spool. The specific implementation of the tightening mechanism operates according to the description in U.S. Pat. No. 9,179,729, issued Nov. 10, 2015, assigned to Boa Technology, Inc., the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

By tightening the lace 205 using clockwise movement, the lace may tighten around the spool which thereby pulls the laces extending around the tool belt 105 in as well, causing the entire tool belt to tighten around the user's waist. The laces may extend around both sides of the support frame 135 as shown in FIG. 2, in which the laces extend onto the other section of the support frame on the rear side. Tightening of the tightening mechanism 140 thereby causes both sections of the support frame 135 to come together along the rear of the tool belt. The front buckle 145 maintains the connection in the front to thereby fully secure the belt along all sides of the user. While FIG. 1 shows the tightening mechanism near a front of the belt, the tightening mechanism may alternatively be positioned on the rear side of the tool belt, such as between the end of the pockets 125 and the start of the laces 205.

The support frame includes handles 110 on opposing sections that the user can pull on to adjust the positioning of the modular tool belt 105 along their hips and waist. The support frame also has loops 115 that can be used to attach to a user's suspenders to provide further support in keeping the tool belt up, when worn.

Along the sides of the modular tool belt 105 are columns and rows of pockets 125 that can be used to hold various pouches and accessories depending on the user's preference or a given task. The openings 130 for the pockets can receive straps attached to a rear of an accessory or pouch to thereby secure the accessory or pouch to the tool belt, as discussed in greater detail below. The attachment of accessories and pouches is based off of a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) technique by which a user can attach corresponding accessories. While three pockets are vertically aligned, the user may attach an accessory to only the bottom row of the pocket. Furthermore, depending on the accessory, multiple laterally adjacent pockets may be used for a single accessory, or a single pocket may be used. Likewise, multiple vertically positioned adjacent pockets may be used for a single accessory. While not shown, another row of pockets 125 are similarly positioned on the opposite side of the modular tool belt 105.

A raised lumbar support 150 is shown in FIG. 2, which extends along the gap in between the separate support surface 135 sections. The lumbar support is used to enhance support to the user's back while the user wears the tool belt. Furthermore, the lumbar support provides the guiding element around which the two support surface components or sections can tighten or loosen when the laces 205 are tightened using the tightening mechanism 140. The lumbar support, using zipper 155, also functions as a zippered pocket to store heat and cold packs, among other items, which will be discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 3 shows an illustrative diagram of the modular tool belt 105 and the layered materials used to create the support surface 135. The inside surface that is proximal to the user's body is a comprised of a lycra 305 material that provides a silky moisture wicking material that provides a high degree of stretching and rapid recovery. The next layer from the lycra layer is a spacer mesh 310 that provides airflow while still being supportive. A memory foam 315 layer follows the spacer mesh and is implemented to provide temperature control and comfort to the user. Finally, the outer layer includes a ballistic nylon 320 material to provide strength and durability and prevent any of the other layers, and the tool belt itself, from damage and wear and tear. These layers collectively work together to provide a functional modular tool belt with appropriate comfort and support.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show illustrative representations of a pouch 405 that can attach to the pockets 125 (FIG. 1) on the modular tool belt 105. The pouch 405 includes a support member 410 to which MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) straps 505 are attached. The MOLLE straps can be utilized to connect the pouches 405 to the pocket 125 on the modular tool belt 105. The front of the pouches are pockets 415 and 420 which can receive tools or other items that a user wishes to carry around for a particular job. The secure members 510 are utilized to attach the straps to particular pockets and provide additional support. The secure members may be press-fit mechanisms that better secure the strap to a given pocket. Since the straps can connect to one or multiple rows of pockets, multiple secure members are implemented depending on the specific implementation. For a smaller single pocket, however, a single strap and secure member may be utilized.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative representation in which the pouches 405 can secure to the modular tool belt 105. The straps 505 are inserted into the pockets 125 of the tool belt, thereby securing the pouches in place. While pouches are shown in the figures, other accessories 605 that are likewise customized with the MOLLE straps can attach to the pockets on the tool belt. For example, different sized pouches, closeable bags with zippers or buttons, etc., can leverage the MOLLE STRAPS and attach to the tool belt. This would make the modular tool belt truly modular and customizable. Furthermore, inserts can be placed inside the pockets that can protect the inside surface of the pockets. Inserts can also come equipped with small screws or other mechanical pieces that a user can quickly replace and insert into the pockets.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show illustrative representations in which the raised lumbar support 150 includes a zipper 155 that can open and close the lumbar support 150. When opened, a heat or cooling pack 710 can be inserted into the lumbar support's cavity 705 to provide comfort to the user while working. Thus, the tool belt not only functions as a modular and customizable apparatus, but also enhances comfort to the user during use.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show illustrative representations in which the modular tool belt 105 is worn around the user's waist. As shown, a pouch 405 is secured to the pockets 125 using MOLLE straps. While only a pouch is shown for illustration purposes, other accessories of varying shapes, sizes, and purposes are also usable with the MOLLE system. FIG. 10 shows the lumbar support 150 closing the gap in between the sections of the support surface 135, which is tightened around the user via the laces 205.

Various embodiments of the modular tool belt system are presently disclosed. In one embodiment, disclosed is a modular tool belt, comprising: a support frame comprised of multiple layers, the support frame being linearly arranged and bendable to enable wrapping around a user's waist; pockets arranged around an outside surface of the support frame, wherein individual pockets are arranged in rows and columns to enable customizable attachment of items to the pockets; and one or more accessories that respectively attach to one or more pockets on the modular tool belt.

As another example, the modular tool belt includes a front side that includes a belt and belt buckle and a rear side that includes a raised support surface that extends above the support frame. In a further example, the raised support surface includes a closable opening with a cavity, in which the cavity receives a hot or cold pack. As another example, the raised support surface is positioned on an inside portion of the support frame. In another example, the support frame is configured as two separate components that, when worn, respectively extend along left and right hips of the user, and the belt at the front side and the raised surface at the rear side attach to each of the support frame components to create a single unit. As another example, the support frame includes a first arm and a second arm on the respective separate components, and the first and second arms overlap when the buckle is connected in the front side. A further example includes a tightening mechanism that custom fits the modular tool belt to a user's dimensions, in which tightening of the tightening mechanism tightens a lace that extends along the support frame and around the user. As another example, the one or more accessories include MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) straps that secure to the pockets along the outside surface of the support frame. In another example, the one or more accessories include a pouch that is attached to the MOLLE straps. As another example, layers of the support frame include Lycra on an inside portion of the support frame that is proximal to the user. In another example, the layers of the support frame include ballistic nylon on an outside portion of the support frame that is distal from the user. As another example, the layers of the support frame include spacer mesh and memory foam. As another example, the support frame includes openings inside which a belt inserts and attaches to, wherein the belt extends along a front portion of the modular tool belt.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A modular tool belt, comprising: a support frame comprised of multiple layers, the support frame being linearly arranged and bendable to enable wrapping around a user's waist; pockets arranged around an outside surface of the support frame, wherein individual pockets are arranged in rows and columns to enable customizable attachment of items to the pockets; and one or more accessories that respectively attach to one or more pockets on the modular tool belt.
 2. The modular tool belt of claim 1, wherein the modular tool belt includes a front side that includes a belt and belt buckle and a rear side that includes a raised support surface that extends above the support frame.
 3. The modular tool belt of claim 2, wherein the raised support surface includes a closable opening with a cavity, in which the cavity receives a hot or cold pack.
 4. The modular tool belt of claim 3, wherein the raised support surface is positioned on an inside portion of the support frame.
 5. The modular tool belt of claim 4, wherein the support frame is configured as two separate components that, when worn, respectively extend along left and right hips of the user, and the belt at the front side and the raised surface at the rear side attach to each of the support frame components to create a single unit.
 6. The modular tool belt of claim 5, wherein the support frame includes a first arm and a second arm on the respective separate components, and the first and second arms overlap when the buckle is connected in the front side.
 7. The modular tool belt of claim 1, further comprising a tightening mechanism that custom fits the modular tool belt to a user's dimensions, in which tightening of the tightening mechanism tightens a lace that extends along the support frame and around the user.
 8. The modular tool belt of claim 1, wherein the one or more accessories include MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) straps that secure to the pockets along the outside surface of the support frame.
 9. The modular tool belt of claim 8, wherein the one or more accessories include a pouch that is attached to the MOLLE straps.
 10. The modular tool belt of claim 1, wherein layers of the support frame include Lycra on an inside portion of the support frame that is proximal to the user.
 11. The modular tool belt of claim 10, wherein the layers of the support frame include ballistic nylon on an outside portion of the support frame that is distal from the user.
 12. The modular tool belt of claim 11, wherein the layers of the support frame include spacer mesh and memory foam.
 13. The modular tool belt of claim 1, wherein the support frame includes openings inside which a belt inserts and attaches to, wherein the belt extends along a front portion of the modular tool belt. 